urlington, N. J.--and were, indeed, under my care. Orphans now!

SEPTEMBER 27TH.--The papers this morning contain accounts of the landing
of Yankees at White House, York River; and of reinforcements at
Williamsburg and Suffolk. They might attempt to take Richmond, while
Lee's army is away; for they know we have no large body of troops here.

A battery passed through the city this morning early, at _double-quick_,
going eastward.

Yesterday Congress passed an act, supplemental and amendatory to the
Conscription Act of last April, authorizing the President to call into
the military service all residents between the ages of thirty-five and
forty-five. The first act included only those between the ages of
eighteen and thirty-five.

By the 1st of January there will be $300,000,000 Treasury notes in
circulation. It is proposed in Congress to make a forced loan of
one-fifth of the incomes of the people.

It is said Lincoln has issued a proclamation declaring the slaves of
Rebels free, on and after the 1st of January, 1863. This will only
intensify the war, and add largely to our numbers in the field.

A letter was received from General Lee to-day, dated at Martinsburg,
giving a sad account of the army. It seems that without some additional
power given the President by Congress to enforce discipline, he fears
the army will melt away. He suggests that incompetent officers be
reduced to the ranks, and that more stringent regulations be adopted. He
is in no condition to advance now, since so many thousands of his men
are permitted to wander away. We shall be afflicted with fresh
invasions--and that, if nothing else, may cause the stragglers to
return.

The substance of Lee's letter has been communicated to Congress, and
that body, I understand, has postponed the day of adjournment until the
6th October.

In future times, I wonder if it will be said that we had great men in
this Congress? Whatever may be _said_, the truth is, there are not a
dozen with any pretensions to statesmanship.

SEPTEMBER 29TH.--We have Lincoln's proclamation, freeing all the slaves
from and after the 1st January next. And another, declaring martial law
throughout the United States! Let the Yankees ruminate on that! Now for
a _fresh_ gathering of our clans for another harvest of blood.

On Saturday the following resolutions were reported by Mr. Semmes, from
the Committee of the Judiciary, in the Senate:

"1st. That no officer of the Confederate